I’m working on a market analysis in order to bring you all some new speculations. For those that don’t know, I consider myself an automotive branding and market enthusiast. Sometimes I post these preliminary glances before hitting you all with bigger posts on why come this happenin’ and other things that make you groan, just to show you that there is method behind the madness.

Nothing refined here since this is how I get started. However, I thought there were some interesting segment shifts that most journalists (and a few automakers) have not noticed.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Super-Subcompacts

*Same length as subcompact hatchbacks

Ford Ecosport (161") - $19,995

Kia Soul (163") - $16,200

Hyundai Kona (164") - $20,450

*This segment will expand in 2020 including a Jeep below the Renegade. This is also the segment I believe Toyota mistakenly quoted as AWD not being important, just style and efficiency. Unfortunately for them, the C-HR is one segment too high.

I want you all to think about how many of these nameplates didn’t exist 4 years ago. The reason why resale is currently poor for subcompact utilities is that most of the population is unfamiliar with these names and aren’t searching for them, yet. That said, expect every one of these vehicles to grow to over 173" in length because, “The most popular request of current owners is that they wish the car was a little bit bigger.”

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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (aka the Eclipxe)

Compact

*Similar length to compact hatchbacks

Jeep Compass (173") - $20,995

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (173") - $24,290

Volkswagen Tiguan Limited (173") - $21,995

Subaru Crosstrek (176") - $21,795

Hyundai Tucson (176") - $22,550

Kia Sportage (176") - $23,600

Ford Escape (178") - $23,850

Mazda CX-5 (179") - $24,150

Notice that the actual “Compact” segment has been vacated.

2018 GMC Terrain

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Midsize

*Similar length to compact sedans

Honda CR-V (181") - $24,150

Subaru Forester (182") - $22,795

Jeep Cherokee (182") - $24,395

GMC Terrain (182") - $24,995

Chevrolet Equinox (183") - $23,580

Toyota RAV4 (184") - $24,510

Mitsubishi Outlander (185") - $23,945

Volkswagen Tiguan (185") - $24,595

Nissan Rogue (185") - $24,800

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (185") - $24,950

The sales numbers of this segment are currently overinflated because shoppers are not familiar with the new, smaller nameplates. They are going for what they know (RAV4, CR-V) but will eventually spread out to other segments by 2020.

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2018 Subaru Outback

Midsize-Plus

*Similar length to midsize sedans / midsize wagons

Kia Sorento (187") - $25,900

Ford Edge (188") - $29,220

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (188") - $30,495

Jeep Grand Cherokee (189") - $30,695

Subaru Outback (190") - $25,895

Toyota 4Runner (190") - $34,610

Nissan Murano (192") - $30,800

This is going to be a pretty cool segment because the market concentration is between $30,000 to $55,000 and upwards. That allows mainstream brands to offer high horsepower, or great materials, impressive designs, crazy tech, or true off-roaders. I can almost guarantee a Murano Nismo, Outback STi, and Ford Bronco will all appear within the next 4 years.

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2018 Dodge Journey

Fullsize

*Similar length to fullsize sedans

Dodge Journey (192") - $22,795

Hyundai Santa Fe (193") - $30,850

Toyota Highlander (193") - $31,030

GMC Acadia (194") - $29,000

Honda Pilot (195") - $30,900

*Toyota Land Cruiser is a premium vehicle. Ref: TLC (195") - $84,315

This segment is probably going to die. Everything will bump up a segment to over 195" in length in order to handle three-rows and cargo space better. But if you ever wondered why the Dodge Journey is still moving then compare the entry price and size to the segments below. The true cheapest new car in the US.

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2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Fullsize-Plus

*Similar length to minivans

Volkswagen Atlas (198") - $30,750

Ford Explorer (198") - $31,990

Nissan Pathfinder (199") - $31,040

Mazda CX-9 (199") - $32,150

Dodge Durango (201") - $29,995

Chevrolet Traverse (204") - $29,930

I’m hoping that either these are getting asymmetrical sliding doors on just the passenger side or couple of the minivans will get lifts and be added to this segment. Either way would be sweet. This segment is becoming pretty cool.

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2018 Toyota Sequoia

Truck

*Similar length to midsize trucks (extended cab, short box)

Chevrolet Tahoe (204") - $47,500

GMC Yukon (204") - $49,100

Toyota Sequoia (205") - $48,300

Nissan Armada (209") - $46,090

Ford Expedition (210") - $51,695

I could see a few diesels coming. I think that’s really it for surprises.

2018 Ford Expedition

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Truck-Plus

*Similar length to midsize trucks (crew cab, long box)

Ford Expedition Max (222") - $54,385

Chevrolet Suburban (224") - $50,200

GMC Yukon XL (224") - $51,800

After this you pretty much get into van and small RV territory. But there is room at around 230" in length where an Excursion could be resurrected as a limited production vehicle. Yes, I’m being serious. Including the tow hook it would be the same length as the widely popular F-150 Crew Cab Short Box.

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I’ll knock out the premium and luxury brands next (Buick-Acura-Mini up to currently Bentley).